HC Deb 26 February 1885 vol 294 cc1417-8
MR. GOURLEY

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he is aware that the Italian Government has despatched to the Red Sea littoral, on the Soudan side, three Expeditions, consisting of about five thousand men, besides torpedo boats for Coast attack; and, whether those Expeditions are intended to co-operate with the British Troops now on their way to Suakin in rescuing some of the Egyptian garrisons; if not, can he inform the House, without prejudice to public interests, whether the Expedition has received the sanction of the British Government, as well as that of the so-called European Concert?

MR. GLADSTONE

With regard to the latter part of this Question, which asks whether the Italian Government has acted with the sanction of the British Government, I have to say that the Italian Government is an independent Power, and does not require the sanction of the British Government to any measures which it may feel it to be its duty to undertake. With respect to communications with other Powers—what the hon. Gentleman terms "the so-called European Concert"—I am not in a position to say what communications may have been made to other Powers. I need not enter into the particulars of these Expeditions, whether they are accurately given by the hon. Member or not; the point of the Question is, whether the Expeditions are intended to co-operate with the British troops now on their way to Suakin in rescuing some of the Egyptian garrisons? My answer to that is that Italy is in the best relations, the most cordial relations, with this country; but that there is no alliance or plan of military co-operation between the two countries.

MR. J. LOWTHER

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these Expeditions have received the assent of the Turkish Government?

MR. GLADSTONE

I have already said that I am not cognizant of the communications that may have taken place between the Italian Government and the other Powers.

MR. J. LOWTHER

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that no communication has been received by Her Majesty's Government from the Government of Turkey?

MR. GLADSTONE

I would rather have Notice of that Question; but what I have stated is strictly correct.